JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Did Chilmark fall into the deep freeze this week? Just 18 degrees this morning (Wednesday) and we all know it isn’t officially winter yet! We feel very lucky to have clear skies and roads when we hear how many other parts of the country are faring.

We are in our run-down to the holiday and there are many things to think about besides Chilmark chitchat so I will try to remind you of a few of the activities in town. The outdoor light displays all over town make evening driving a treat thanks to all who make the effort. Chilmark is very festive this year.

Please note my correction: the Allen Farm Store will be open through Christmas and into the New Year.

Santa is coming to Chilmark on Dec. 21 at the Community Center and will have treats for all the Chilmark children through fifth grade age! The Chilmark Firefighters annually welcome Santa and help him disburse his gifts to the children of the town. Santa will arrive at 5:45 p.m. We are asked to bring food to share and to join the festivities.

Chilmark Church has a musical Christmas Eve service planned. The traditional candlelight service of lessons and carols begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. Sandy Atwood, guest musician, will play the harp and Carol Loud is the organist. All are welcome, children most welcome. Sandy is a Vineyard musician of noted accomplishments and the church is happy to welcome her.

The book Jerome and the Spooky Woods is at Alley’s, Bunch of Grapes, Edgartown Books and Morning Glory. It is a children’s book written by Bob Taylor of North Road. His retirement has given him the time to recall the many bedtime stories he told to his children and write them down for the enjoyment of other children. Called Jerome and the Spooky Woods, the story takes place in Chilmark and, as the title implies, it might be too spooky for very young children. Bob is a retired telephone company man with no previous experience in writing and publishing. He appreciates the efforts of the Tisbury Printers who made it work. Congratulations, Bob, on your achievement, and we will be watching for more!

Karen Flynn is home from Haiti, where she often goes with other Island folk on missions of help. She tells us PeaceQuilts are for sale now online at their own Web site and are being sold at Macy’s stores.

A large crowd turned out Wednesday evening to enjoy the festivities at the annual Friends of the Library’s holiday party. Steve and Susan McGhee provided lovely music and soon had the group singing carols.

Cheers to us all as we enjoy one more busy week of preholiday excitements. Let’s hope for dry roads and clear skies for Santa and ourselves!